Chris Nelson traded to Yankees for player to be named, cash

LOS ANGELES — Chris Nelson won’t have to wait long to see his former teammates. The third baseman was traded to the Yankees on Wednesday for a player to be named and cash. Nelson, designated for assignment after last Saturday’s game in Arizona, will be added to the Yankees’ 25-man roster, and travel to Coors Field next week when New York faces the Rockies.

Nelson laughed when told of the timing.

The former first-round pick in 2004 lost his roster spot to Nolan Arenado, the club’s top prospect. Despite a strong second half last season, Nelson struggled to gain traction in April, hitting .242 with no home runs. He was in a difficult spot, hitting eighth and with every at-bat a referendum on his roster spot.

He was among the team’s most popular players, and a class act with the media. When he was told of his dismissal, it was an emotional as anyone could recall in recent memory.

“He brought energy, and kept things loose in here. He never had a bad day, it seemed like,” said friend Eric Young Jr. “Other guys will have to step up and fill that void.”

Added Troy Tulowitzki, “He was a good teammate in this organization for a long time. It was hard to see someone go through something like this. But we all want the best for Nelly”

Nelson is expected to back up former Rockies’ first-round pick Jayson Nix at third base. Nix started briefly at second base for the Rockies in 2008, and like Nelson, was designated after a slow start.

Nelly was the consumate professional. He always seemed to be on the outs in the media but the players responded to him. You could see that in the dugout and in the comments when he was designated. Chris, you will be missed.

rdlink

Well said.

Skippy

Good to see the Rockies got that prospect that they love the most in return, cash.

Russ

I bet he comes into Coors and tears it up this weekend.

Garcon

If he does good for him. But I have to wonder if that is what you are hoping for. If so you sure aren’t much of a Rockie fan.

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.